Stalemate in Orissa Assembly over Minister's link with Liquor trader

Bhubaneswar, Mar 23 (UNI) Stalemate continued for the second day today in Orissa Assembly as an agitated Opposition insisted on the resignation of two ministers alleging their links with liquor traders.

The Opposition stalled the proceedings right from the question hour forcing the speaker to adjourn the house thrice and finally for lunch till 1500 hours.

It all started as soon as the house assembled for the day to take up the question hour when Congress Deputy Leader Narshingha Mishra, rising on a point of order, said they have serious evidences which could 'damage' the dignity of the minister.

He urged the speaker to allow a discussion on the issue suspending all business. Leader of Opposition J B Pattnaik said a serious development had taken place as the Opposition were in possession of certain evidences which would bring bad reputation to the conduct of the member.

But ruling BJD member Niranjan Pujari opposed any discussion on the issue stating that the Supreme Court had clearly ruled that xerox copies of any document could not be taken as authenticated document and urged the Speaker not to allow any discussion on the documents laid by the Opposition.

As the speaker went ahead with the question hour, the Opposition trooped into the well and shouted slogan demanding the resignation of State Excise Minister Kalandi Behera and Science and Technology Minister Rabi Narayan Nanda.

As pandemonium prevailed, the speaker adjourned the house for 15 minutes and then for another 30 minutes. The house later reassembled but was adjourned for lunch till 1500 hours.

The Opposition had stalled proceedings yesterday also after the question hour demanding the resignation of the Excise Minister and the Science Technology Minister alleging their links with the liquor traders.

The situation forced the Chair to adjourn the house five times during the day and finally for the whole day without taking up the demands for grant for the Agriculture Department.

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